Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s (Online, On-Campus) 2025

Badge for CHEAPEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN EARLY CHILDHOOD-EDUCATION

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Published: May 15, 2023
Updated: Nov 6, 2024

Which are the most affordable degree programs in early childhood education in the US? We rank the cheapest accredited colleges in early childhood education.

Key Takeaways

Use this ranking to find the most affordable top-ranked bachelor’s of early childhood education (online, on-campus, and hybrid).
Early childhood educators use engaging activities like playing and reading books to teach fundamental reading, writing, and math skills and gauge a child’s emotional growth.
Professionals may work in various educational settings, including public schools, preschools, and childcare facilities.

Table of Contents

Best Online and On-Campus Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education Degree Programs in 2025

University of Washington
+9
Florida International University
–1
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
–1
National University
–1
Central Methodist University
–1
Florida State College at Jacksonville
–1
University of Mount Olive
–1
Northwestern College
Charter Oak State College
–2
Northwest Florida State College
–1

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best online and on-campus bachelor’s in early childhood education degree programs saw a considerable amount of shuffling. The University of Washington gained the top ranking position as the university has introduced several enhancements to its Early Childhood Education programs to better serve its students. Notably, UW’s online Bachelor of Arts in Early Care & Education program has been recognized as the top-ranked program in the nation, reflecting its high quality and flexible curriculum.

Additionally, the university offers a specialization in Early Childhood Policy within its Educational Policy, Organization, and Leadership (EdPOL) program, providing an interdisciplinary approach to early childhood policy with foundational coursework in policy design, advocacy, implementation, and evaluation.

Featured Programs

Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Programs

Career Outlook for Students with Early Childhood Education Degree

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Early Childhood Education And Teaching

Degree Level: Bachelor's

Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
Avg. Cost of Degree*: $9,452
Avg. Expenses*: $17,378
Avg. Starting Salary*: $41,413
Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $42,013
Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 12 years
Job Growth: 0.66%
Number of Jobs: 2,169,400
* denotes ‘annually’
** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

Career	Job Growth	Avg. Salary
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other	3.21%	$79,870
Education Teachers, Postsecondary	3.24%	$73,240
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	-0.64%	$65,220
Teachers and Instructors, All Other	1.39%	$64,390
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	-0.73%	$64,290
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education	-0.74%	$63,680
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education	-0.73%	$62,690
Self-Enrichment Teachers	3.43%	$45,330
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education	4.41%	$37,130

Top Industries

Industry	Avg. Salary
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other	$79,870
Education Teachers, Postsecondary	$73,240
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$65,220
Teachers and Instructors, All Other	$64,390
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$64,290
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education	$63,680
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education	$62,690
Self-Enrichment Teachers	$45,330
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education	$37,130

Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Pursuing a career in early childhood education requires a very compassionate and committed individual. Early childhood educators are integral to a child’s language, motor, and social development.

Average Annual Cost of Online and On-campus Bachelor’s Degree Program in Early Childhood Education

According to Education Data, the average annual cost for on-campus bachelor’s degrees is $102,828 for public four-year universities and $218,004 for private universities. Students enrolled in online degree programs use minimal to no on-campus resources, so an online program may have a lower cost.

The average per credit hour cost of an online bachelor’s degree is $333, which comes to about $40,491 for full tuition. However there are more affordable colleges and universities that offer a per credit hour cost as low as $116.

The average total program cost of the most affordable online bachelor’s degree is $13,992. Even better, students enrolled in online degree programs can reduce the amount of tuition further to make it even more affordable.

Benefits of Affordable Education in Early Childhood Education Programs

The cost of attending college is getting more expensive each year. The average student’s cost of attendance at public 4-year universities has climbed by a startling 179.2% over the last 20 years. As a result, more and more students are seeking out more affordable learning options for their bachelor’s degree.

One of the students’ most common questions is, “Are affordable online and on-campus degree programs just as good as their expensive counterparts?” The answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

Top-ranked quality affordable online and on-campus degrees are better for most students for several reasons. For one, affordable degree programs allow students to take on fewer loans, giving them more financial freedom upon graduation.

Affordable online degree programs can deliver the same quality and rigor as their on-campus counterparts. In fact, the only time it may be worth considering more expensive degree programs is when:

You only have eyes on one particular university.
When that school is the only one to offer a degree program that you are interested in.
There is a scholarship or grant available that would help to offset higher than average tuition costs.

Bottom Line: There may be instances that justify or necessitate enrolling in more expensive four-year colleges or universities. However, in general, choosing an affordable institution over a more expensive one can be the right move for most students.

How To Choose the Best Affordable Early Childhood Education Degree

While the affordable early childhood degree programs in our ranking offer a high quality, yet low-cost education, there are several factors that you will want to consider when choosing which affordable degree program to choose.

Cost and financial aid opportunities: While affordable early childhood education programs offer lower than average tuition, some are higher than others, and some may include fees that other programs do not.

Before choosing an early childhood education degree, make sure that you understand all of the associated costs of the program. It is a good idea to speak with the college’s financial aid office and ask them about the program’s total cost, including fees, and inquire about available financial aid. Most schools are willing to help you calculate tuition after assistance.

Program format: If you’re a busy student with obligations outside the classroom, enrolling in early childhood education degrees that offer a 100% online learning format is wise. It is also important to know how the classes are delivered. An online program will offer either asynchronous or synchronous classes.

If you are looking for more collaboration opportunities, enrolling in an online program with synchronous online classes may be a better option. If having the ability to study at your own pace is important to you, choosing an online program that offers asynchronous classes could be your best bet.

Location: Some online bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education require students to complete on-campus coursework at some point. So, choosing a school that is physically near you may be important.
Career support services: Even though the start of your career could feel a long way off, you should research the career support services offered by the school. These services could consist of active alumni networks, employment fairs, and one-on-one career counseling sessions. These services can be a great way for college seniors and new grads to network with employers and get job offers.
Student support services: These important support services help online learners to achieve social, academic, and career success. One of the most important student support services includes technical support.

Technical issues are more than just a hassle for online students because those unable to use computers or traverse digital learning environments cannot advance in their studies.

Other resources and accommodations students should consider are:

Library Services
Networking Programs
Personal Support Services
Academic Support Services

What To Expect from an Online Early Childhood Education Degree

Before pursuing a degree in early childhood education, it’s important to consider if this is the right degree program for you.

A bachelor’s in early childhood education requires candidates to be very compassionate and have a lot of patience since they’ll be working with children from birth to eight years of age.

The typical early childhood curriculum for a bachelor’s degree requires students to complete 120 credit hours plus a teaching practicum. The length of the bachelor’s degree program varies based on three factors: required credit hours, enrollment status, and course pacing.

Full-time students typically complete coursework in four years, while part-time students complete their degree in five to six years. Those who want to graduate faster can enroll in accelerated online degree programs to graduate in three years.

Several online programs for early childhood education serve as bachelor’s degree completion programs. This early childhood education degree requires applicants to already have an associate degree or equivalent work experience.

Key Point: Degree completion programs and accelerated online degree programs in early childhood education are a great way to shorten the time required to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for online bachelor’s in early childhood education programs often do not require students to have a professional or educational background in the field. The standard requirements include the following:

High school diploma or the equivalent
Standardized tests like the SAT or ACT

Some schools require a minimum of 2.0-2.05 GPA, while others have no GPA cut-off.

More prestigious and selective schools may require students to have stellar letters of recommendation and personal statements.

Hybrid and online degree programs might require students to pass technological requirements.

Key Point: Specific admission requirements vary by school. Contact the college’s admissions department for their specific requirements.

Common Courses in Early Childhood Education

Child Assessment

This course equips students with techniques for evaluating children through coursework, observations, and exams. The coursework will include filling out forms and materials covering assessment methods.

Infant and Toddler Development

Students will gain knowledge of children’s social, cognitive, physical, and emotional development. The age covered in this course is birth to eight. These courses typically cover appropriate programming and surroundings for newborns and toddlers.

Social Development

This course often has two parts: understanding child-to-child and child-to-adult connections. Interaction strategies are typically studied in the classroom and by observing children in daycare or preschool settings.

Language Development

Understanding how young children interact with adults and other children is the main goal of this course. Early childhood language development is evaluated through observing and interacting with children and how they interact with adults and other kids.

Health, Safety, and Nutrition

This course focuses on developing safe, healthy learning environments for young children. Students must often attend seminars exploring state and federal laws and guidelines regarding young children’s health and nutrition.

Early Childhood Special Education

This ECE course is a specialized course designed to help aspiring teachers obtain the abilities necessary to care for young children with special needs. The course addresses differentiation in early childhood settings, inclusive methods, and instructional strategies.

Moreover, this ECE course will help students learn how to collaborate with families. A practicum may be a required part of the class.

Curriculum Development

This course allows students to explore the fundamental theories of child development and how to apply them to planning and delivering early childhood education curricula. Other topics include the design of developmentally appropriate lesson plans and learning centers to fit the needs of specific age groups.

Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Career and Salary Outlook

Early childhood education is one of the fastest-growing fields in the US. One of the most significant reasons behind this rise is the renewed emphasis on the significance of preschool education and Head Start programs.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment for early childhood educators is expected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031. The expected starting salary of these educators is $22,840 annually.

Those who pursue leadership roles in daycares, preschools, and other settings akin to these should anticipate significantly higher starting salaries. The typical yearly salary for those types of positions is $58,530.

Preschool teacher

This early childhood education professional helps pupils develop motor, language, and social skills. They plan educational activities and work with young children who aren’t yet old enough to start kindergarten. The job will includes planning and executing lessons, supervising learning activities, and monitoring student progress.

Average Annual Salary: $30,210

Special education teacher

Special education teachers are paid more than other early childhood educators. Their job entails working with children with disabilities under the age of eight. Duties include evaluating students, defining academic goals, tracking progress, instructing students, adapting materials for students, and co-teaching with the classroom teacher.

These professionals can work in a classroom, small group, or in a one-on-one environment. They could also serve as a mediator between the parents and the school.

Average Annual Salary: $61,820

Teacher’s assistant

A teacher’s assistant helps classroom advisors prepare materials, supervise students, and perform other classroom duties. The teacher can request that you assist one or a few students who require extra help with their coursework.

Average Annual Salary: $29,360

If, on the other hand, you don’t want to pursue the traditional career paths of early childhood education, you have various options as well. You can become a:

Childcare center director

A childcare center director is a supervisory position and is integral in running learning facilities for younger children. To ensure the instructors and other staff members are meeting the needs of the pupils, you can hire, manage, and keep an eye on them. Also, you can be in charge of business-related duties like managing finances, processing payments, adhering to rules, and contacting parents.

Average Annual Salary: $47,310

Childcare worker

While they are more likely to work outside the traditional classroom, childcare providers have a similar role to preschool teachers. They might work for a family, a company that provides childcare, or early childhood centers/childcare centers. These professionals’ roles include keeping children safe and creating routines for them.

Average Annual Salary: $27,490

Ways to Pay for Your Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education

Students pursuing a bachelor’s in early childhood education, whether online or on-campus, may qualify for various financial aid opportunities. The best way to determine eligibility for financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants will receive an eligibility letter from the federal government, state government, or the school itself.

Students who prove their financial needs can also apply for compensated work experience through federal work-study programs. If you’re worried that you might not have the time for this, these federal work-study programs provide flexible hours. You can find information about work-study programs on-campus or in facilities near your area.

In addition to the financial assistance offered through federal student aid, students can also hunt for grants and scholarship opportunities. Private scholarships are widely available, particularly for those pursuing careers in teaching.

Students and new grads may also be eligible for a federal incentive program like Teach for America or the TEACH Grant since some teaching positions are categorized as public service.

Student loans must be repaid with interest. You should apply first for federal student loans because they often have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Private loans from banks and lending organizations have higher interest rates and strict repayment terms.

Education Scholarships Available to Early Childhood Development Degree Students:

Early Childhood Education Certification and Licensure

The licensure or certification requirements for childcare providers vary by state, but typically you must enroll in childcare classes covering classroom management, child development, nutrition, and safety (including how to spot abuse or maltreatment indicators), and pass an exam proving your expertise.

Additional courses that may be necessary include business management, medicine delivery, record-keeping, and CPR for infants and children. Check with your state’s family or social services department for the most recent information, as childcare worker rules differ from state to state and can change during legislative sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bachelor’s in early childhood education skills in high demand?

Yes. Pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education is worthwhile as early childhood education programs offer many rewarding job opportunities that can significantly impact society. Educators contribute to laying the early childhood foundations for academic and personal growth by working with young children and their families.

Can you get an early childhood education degree online?

Yes, earning a degree in early childhood education online to be qualified to teach children is possible. Many universities have online programs that let you complete the majority of your core courses and coursework using an online learning environment. You can finish any fieldwork, practicum, or student teaching requirements at nearby schools and child care centers.

Why is Early Childhood Education important?

Early childhood educational development is crucial since it is the foundation of a child’s learning and significantly impacts their educational, professional, and personal success. To help young children acquire healthy social skills and a solid basis for knowledge, preschool and elementary school teachers who are both experts in teaching and child development are imperative. Teaching young children to be better prepared for success in elementary education and beyond relies on their positive experiences throughout their early education years.

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Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s (Online, On-Campus) 2025

Key Takeaways

Best Online and On-Campus Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education Degree Programs in 2025

2025 Ranking Update

Featured Programs

Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Programs

Last Year’s Ranking:

Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at University of Washington

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Florida International University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at National University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Central Methodist University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Florida State College at Jacksonville

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at University of Mount Olive

Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Northwestern College

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Charter Oak State College

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Northwest Florida State College

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Students with Early Childhood Education Degree

Early Childhood Education And Teaching

Degree Level: Bachelor's

Career Salaries

Top Industries

Average Annual Cost of Online and On-campus Bachelor’s Degree Program in Early Childhood Education

Benefits of Affordable Education in Early Childhood Education Programs

How To Choose the Best Affordable Early Childhood Education Degree

What To Expect from an Online Early Childhood Education Degree

Admission Requirements

Common Courses in Early Childhood Education

Child Assessment

Infant and Toddler Development

Social Development

Language Development

Health, Safety, and Nutrition

Early Childhood Special Education

Curriculum Development

Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Career and Salary Outlook

Preschool teacher

Special education teacher

Teacher’s assistant

Childcare center director

Childcare worker

Ways to Pay for Your Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education Certification and Licensure

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bachelor’s in early childhood education skills in high demand?

Can you get an early childhood education degree online?

Why is Early Childhood Education important?